A Universal Learning Tool for Classrooms

Questions and answers are used commonly in instructions to provide immediate feedback and reinforcement that are key elements of active learning. However, in a normal class, not all students can be asked to respond b ecause of time limitations. Moreover, many would rather not be called upon so as to avoid the risk of being embarrassed by an incorrect or improper answer. If the class is large, some may not even pay attention. The situation could be improved significantly with the use of an electronic student response system (SRS) which empowers all students to respond to a question in private, records all responses, and displays the statistical results immediately for feedback and reinforcement. At HKUST, a wireless SRS called the Personal Response System (PRS) has been developed and the prototypes tested in several classes in fall 1997. The wireless, pocket-sized, low-cost and ID-encoded features of the PRS transmitter handset make it feasible for students to own their unit and bring it along to use in any classroom. The receiver is equally portable and the Wi ndows-based software is easy to use. This combination of features endows the PRS with the potential of being a universal learning tool for classrooms. In other words, the PRS can facilitate the practice of interactive engagement for active learning in the classroom and, thereby, make the practice accessible to all wanting to a dop the approach. Also, the ease of use would free the instructor to concentrate on pedagogy and content, and not be distracted by the tool. Described here are the details of PRS, the results of the field tests, and the implementation plan for a campus-wide system at HKUST.